Wednesday, January 17, 2007

Afghan Civilians Stop Terror Attack at U.S. Base

from CNN:

KABUL, Afghanistan (CNN) -- Two civilians thwarted an attempted terrorist attack Tuesday when a vehicle loaded with explosives attempted to crash through the front gate of a U.S. base in the Afghan capital, according to the U.S. military.

The two men, an interpreter and a security guard, dragged the apparent suicide bomber from the vehicle before he could detonate explosives, said Col. Tom Collins, the chief spokesman for U.S. forces in Afghanistan.

"I think it's a pretty amazing and heroic event," Collins said.

He said that at about 9 a.m. Tuesday (10:30 p.m. ET Monday) a driver crashed his vehicle into Camp Phoenix, the base where the Afghan National Army and police are trained. The driver reached for what appeared to be a cord to detonate a bomb, he said.

"Amazingly, a couple of Afghans who just happened to be on the scene there realized what was happening," Collins said.

"Anyone's inclination would have been to run away but these guys are genuine heroes," Collins said...

According to the Doomsday Clock...

Wing begins new chapter with F-15EBAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan (AFNEWS) -- Continuing to show a strong force and a visible presence in Afghanistan, the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing added a new capability to its inventory Jan. 14.More

From a Proud Military Spouse

Received via email on January 5th:

I am the woman that was fired for taking an already approved absence to see my husband off to Iraq Oct 16 2005.

I just wanted to let you know that my husband has returned from his tour of duty Dec 23rd 2006. He is right now finishing his demobilization at Camp Atterbury in Indianapolis. Tomorrow will be his last day and there will be an awards ceremony where he will receive a purple heart for injuries received in an IED accident.

My reason for writting this is to again thank those who supported my family, during the time I lost my job. And also to ask that you not forget the brave men and women who volunteer to put their lives on the line for our country. After picking up my husband the 23 rd and spending 10 days with him before he had to return to demob, talking with him made me realize just how very important it is to our soldiers to know that the people back home care and are not forgetting about them. They very much believe in what they are doing over there. And the things they sacrifice to do this job, is unimaginable to most of us.

Losing my job to be with him when he left is nothing compared to what he has been thru, what they all go thru. And these things will forever change them!!!

I am so very proud of my husband and even after being injured he wants to reenlist this year when his time is up, and is willing to go do it all over again.

Please always remember them with your support and remember the ultimate price that some have paid. Shine light on their accomplishments, and remember the fallen in the stories you write and tell. They have certainly earned that!!

Washington, D.C. (Jan. 16, 2007) - Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Dr. Donald C. Winter, Vice President Dick Cheney, Susan Ford Bales, Jack Ford, Mike Ford, Steve Ford, Sen. John Warner, Sen. Carl Levin and Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Mullen salute as the model of USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) is unveiled. The ship as well as the newest class of aircraft carriers was named after the 38th president of the United States during a ceremony at the Pentagon. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Shawn P. Eklund

Marine to Walk Across NJ to Support Deployed Troops

United States Marine Corps Sgt. Craig M. Breiner, 30, of Howell (NJ) plans to carry the U.S. flag from the Belmar boardwalk to the state capital in Trenton to rally support for American military personnel serving in war zones.

"We need to bring the morale of our troops up," said Breiner, a seven-year Marine veteran who spent seven months in Iraq in 2004 and 2005. . . .

Breiner's walk will commence Jan. 20, rain or shine, at the 16th Avenue boardwalk in Belmar and proceed to Route 34 and Route 33. He welcomes people interested in walking with him to show support for American military personnel. . . .

PALADIN STRIKE — Sgt Albert Cook runs out of a M109A6 Paladin, a Self-Propelled Howitzer, to retrieve canisters for indirect fire missions at Forward Operating Base Warhorse, in the Diyala Province of Iraq. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Samantha M. Stryker Story